Paint reference

Acrylic Paint

Thinking about using acrylic paint? Start here to see where it works well and what to consider before you begin.

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Overview · Compatibility · Guides

Acrylic paint overview

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint used for art, crafts, and many prepared surfaces. How well it performs depends heavily on the surface and preparation.

Acrylic paint compatibility

These records favor short, practical preparation guidance over long-form explanation.

Surface Compatibility Preparation Primer Finish Guide
Canvas Excellent Pre-primed canvas can usually be painted directly; raw canvas should be properly prepared. Gesso for raw canvas Optional varnish —
Wood Good Clean and lightly sand smooth or sealed surfaces. Recommended on bare or absorbent wood Optional varnish; recommended for wear —
Paper Good Use sufficiently heavy paper to reduce buckling. Optional gesso Usually optional —
Plaster Good when dry Let new plaster cure and dry fully; remove dust and loose material. Recommended on porous plaster Optional indoors; protect if exposed to wear Plaster guide
Drywall / plasterboard Good with preparation Use a clean, dry surface not previously painted with oil or alkyd paint. Seal first, then apply two coats of gesso Optional for ordinary interior decorative use —
Concrete / masonry Good when fully cured and dry Allow new masonry to cure and dry fully; remove loose material and surface contaminants. Can be painted directly; sealing and gesso improve the painting ground Choose for exposure and wear —
Stone Good for decorative use Clean and dry thoroughly; remove loose material. Product-specific Choose for handling or exposure —
Terra cotta Good for decorative use Clean and dry thoroughly. Product-specific Choose for handling or exposure —
Metal Preparation required Degrease and create tooth by sanding or another suitable surface-prep method. Water-compatible industrial primer recommended Protective finish recommended for handling or exposure —
Aluminum Preparation required Degrease and abrade or etch appropriately before painting. Water-compatible industrial primer recommended Protective finish recommended for handling or exposure Aluminum guide
Fiberglass Preparation required Sand or sandblast the surface and remove residual dust. Use a suitable primer-sealer, test adhesion, then apply gesso Protective varnish recommended —
Glass Preparation required Degrease thoroughly; smooth glass needs extra adhesion preparation. Adhesion medium or suitable primer recommended Use a glass-compatible system for handled or washed items —
Unglazed ceramic Good for decorative use Clean and dry thoroughly. Product-specific Use a compatible protective finish if needed —
Plastic Variable Identify the plastic first; clean and add light tooth when the material safely allows it. Adhesion medium, matte medium, or suitable primer may be needed Protective finish often useful —
Styrofoam Good with suitable water-based acrylic Keep the surface clean and dry; test first on delicate foam. Product-specific Optional for decorative use —
Fabric Good with the right medium Wash and dry fabric first when appropriate; avoid fabric softener residue. Use fabric-painting medium for flexibility and washability Follow the medium's curing or heat-setting instructions —
Leather Good with a suitable acrylic system Wipe with a clean damp cloth, dry thoroughly, and test compatibility first. Product-specific Use a compatible flexible finish if needed —
Denim Good with the right fabric system Pre-wash and dry wearable denim; avoid fabric-softener residue. Not normally needed Follow the exact paint or medium curing instructions Acrylic denim guide
Vinyl record Decorative use only Clean thoroughly. Do not sand playable grooves; painting the grooves prevents normal playback. Adhesion-promoting ground or suitable primer recommended Protective varnish recommended for display pieces Vinyl record guide

Baseline reviewed August 2026 against current manufacturer guidance. Useful primary references include Liquitex surface customization, Liquitex surface preparation, and DecoArt Americana Acrylics.

Acrylic paint guides

Guides about acrylic paint, preparation, compatibility, application, sealing, and creative projects.